The Senate Energy Bill

Published: May 18, 2003

To the Editor:

Re ''An Empty Energy Bill'' (editorial, May 12):

Those in Congress who dare to propose the nuclear solution understand the benefits of nuclear power. When compared with other energy sources, nuclear offers low production costs, energy security and stable supplies. Unlike coal emissions, waste from nuclear can be safely consolidated and contained. New nuclear plant designs offer the best means to produce the large volumes of hydrogen necessary for hydrogen to become the fuel of the future.

The notion of government investment in the electricity infrastructure is not new. Rural electrification in the 1930's was made possible by a legislated 2 percent interest rate. What you regard as an unenlightened commitment of resources today could tomorrow prove to be a brilliant act of social foresight.